The newest episode of ESPN’s "MMA Live" wasted no time in exploring the question that’s on everybody’s minds, ‘Is Brian Bowles a total pussy for giving up his title because of a broken hand at WEC 47?’ Okay, maybe they didn’t put it exactly like that, but hey, I guess something about wearing a suit makes you feel like you can’t say the word pussy directly into a camera. Rashad Evans says he wouldn’t have thrown in the towel and relinquished his belt over some measly broken bones, while Pat Miletich plays it a little closer to the vest, opting to keep his mind on his money and his money on his mind. That’s when the new champ, Dominick Cruz, shows up to give his two cents:

"To me, if I break my hand, if I break my foot, I’m fighting until I…you have to push a button on me or put me to sleep to get me to stop. I ain’t going to stop for nothin’."

Cruz goes on to reveal that his foot was initially thought to be broken, but isn’t, and he’s also currently sporting a cast for what may or may not turn out to be a fractured wrist. In other words, he’s not calling Bowles a pussy, he’s just saying that it’s not something he would have done, on account of he is not a total pussy. Tough, but fair.

Cagepotato Comments

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WOW! Dominick Cruz thought he had a broken foot and may or may not have a fractured wrist?! That guy is an animal! He has every right to question Bowles decision to call it quits if he himself can continue to fight with phantom injuries. It reminds me of that time when jamie varner THOUGHT he had a detached retina or the other day when I may or may not have got my arm caught in a wood chipper.

The reason Dominick Cruz can continue to fight with broken hands is because he doesn't use them. He's a decision machine. He shouldn't worry too much about that fractured wrist. If it interferes with his sex life he can just call Frank Mir to help him out.

PortlandMMA- March 12, 2010 at 7:41 am

Its awesome when you see a dude fight through all kinds of shit like that, but at the same time it doesn't make a guy a pussy for not fighting with a broken hand. By the way I hate emo I appreciate the fact you trademarked "if you Want To Be A Fucking Fighter" lol

Nut Puncher 9000- March 11, 2010 at 9:12 pm

We could go back to Royce fighting with broken ribs but I prefer the recent reminder that Urijah Faber gave. He has set the bar again.

Champions shouldnt ever quit. Period.

I guess you can alway tuck tail and run. RUN KALIB! RUN!

BMF- March 11, 2010 at 4:12 pm

@ smitty

yes. first thing i thought of when it happened. thats a tough dude

ihateemo- March 11, 2010 at 3:51 pm

Bowles is young and probably made the smart play, rather than wreck his hand(s) further and have to take extended (enforced) leave like Faber did. It was clear after about two minutes that his hand was jacked since he was clearly favouring it.

But if you Want To Be A Fucking Fighter™ and, more importantly, the champion, then it's about finding ways to adapt to situations like this. Franklin hosed his foot and hand beating down Loiseau. St. Pierre pulled his groin smacking down Alves. Faber broke both hands and still winged his elbows at Brown. Hell, even Tito fought Griffin with a fractured skull you guys!!

Bowles' failure was not adapting his strategy (which was "run forward and throw haymakers"), but I really think he pussed out because Cruz was feeding him right hooks every time he came forward and it completely broke his spirit to a point where his hand was more of a reason to get out of the fight.